'Two F1-races at Portimao at the end of September'

Formula 1 is getting ready to finally start the season in two weeks time at the Red Bull Ring in Austria. This will mark the start of a series of European races, which will probably be even longer. Dutch analysts Robert Doornbos and Tom Coronel even think they know for sure which Grand Prix will be added and when it will be held.

For some time now there has been talk of a Formula 1 race on the circuit of Portimao in Portugal. Although nothing is certain yet, confirmation of this news seems to be getting closer and closer. Robert Doornbos tells in 'Formula 1 Café' on Ziggo Sport that the date on which the Portuguese Grand Prix will be held is already known.

"I spoke to someone in the hotel business and he has been instructed to open his hotel there anyway, because September 27th would be the date that the Formula 1 will be held. So I dare to tick it off."

Two races on Portimao

Tom Coronel has also heard these rumors up close. He was on the circuit of Portimao last weekend for a 24 hour race. This made him one of the first to race again in Europe, but around the circuit people mainly talked about Formula 1.

"I absolutely dare to tick it off, when I was there the rumour was already going around that they were talking about Formula 1 and not about one, but two races. It is such a cool circuit. It goes up, down and there are a number of big turn where you seriously start to feel the neck".

The conclusion at the table is that it is going to be a very European Formula 1 season. According to Coronel there is no choice at this moment. The question whether intercontinental travel is possible (to countries where the coronavirus is more prevalent) simply cannot be answered yet.